- Keep with similar sized goldfish
Key Characteristics of the Ryukin Goldfish:
- Body Shape: Ryukins have a short, deep, and somewhat triangular body shape with a pronounced hump on their back, just behind the head. This hump becomes more prominent as they mature. They also have a rounded belly.
- Tail Fin: They possess a double caudal (tail) fin that is typically long and flowing, often accounting for a significant portion of their overall length. The tail lobes should be well-separated.
- Other Fins: They have a high, erect dorsal fin, paired pectoral fins, and paired pelvic fins.
- Coloration: Ryukins come in a wide array of colours, including red, white, orange, calico (red, black, orange, and white), and even chocolate or tricoloured variations.
- Temperament: They are generally peaceful and social fish, thriving in groups of other goldfish. However, they can sometimes be a bit more active than some of the slower-moving fancy goldfish varieties.
- Size: They can grow to a decent size, reaching 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) in body length, and even larger in spacious setups.
- Lifespan: With proper care, Ryukins can live for a good amount of time, often 10-15 years, and sometimes even longer.
Care Requirements for Your Queensland Aquarium:
- Tank Size: Due to their body shape and potential size, Ryukins need a good amount of swimming space. A minimum tank size of 75-100 liters (20-26 gallons) is recommended for a single adult Ryukin. For each additional Ryukin, add at least another 40-50 liters (10-13 gallons).
- Water Parameters:
- Temperature: While goldfish are generally considered cold-water fish, Ryukins, especially those bred in Asia, often do well in a slightly warmer range of 18-24°C (65-75°F). Given the Queensland climate, you might not need a heater for most of the year, but be mindful of cooler winter nights.
- pH: They prefer a slightly alkaline to neutral pH between 6.5 and 7.5.
- Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (50-150 ppm or 3-15 dGH) is suitable.
- Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm.
- Nitrate: Keep below 20 ppm with regular water changes.
- Filtration: Goldfish are messy and produce a lot of waste, so a strong and efficient filtration system is crucial.
- Substrate: Smooth sand or fine gravel is recommended to prevent injury. Avoid sharp or small gravel that could be ingested.
- Decorations: Use smooth decorations and ensure there's plenty of open swimming space. Hardy plants like Anubias, Java Fern, and Java Moss can be kept with Ryukins as they are less likely to be eaten compared to soft-leaved plants.
- Diet: Ryukins are omnivores. Provide a balanced diet of high-quality goldfish flakes or pellets as their staple. Supplement with fresh vegetables (peas, spinach, zucchini) and occasional live or frozen foods. Be careful not to overfeed.
- Water Changes: Regular water changes (25-50% weekly) are essential to maintain water quality.
- Temperature: Monitor your tank temperature, especially during summer, to ensure it doesn't get too high. Good water circulation can help.
- Plant Choices: Opt for hardier plant species that can tolerate slightly warmer temperatures if your tank tends to heat up.
